"You!" Dugu Bo was instantly enraged, and the old habits of a Title Douluo began to flare up as his aura started leaking out.
Ye Wen had to calm him down again, inwardly sighing. 'You're already so old—how can you still be this hot-tempered?'
Afterward, Ye Wen smiled at Yang Wudi. 'So you want to play the "unpredictable human nature" card, huh? Fine, let's play.'
"Senior Yang, your words make perfect sense.
But before making such conjectures, have you considered the situation of the Breaking Clan?
After all, although you're not a Title Douluo, to the Star Luo Empire, you are undoubtedly a powerhouse on par with one.
If a war were to break out between the Tian Dou Empire or the Spirit Hall and the Star Luo Empire, do you think they would simply ignore someone like you, an elite combatant?"
Dugu Bo, who had been sulking just moments ago, burst into laughter upon hearing this.
"Xiao Wen, you're absolutely right! This fool only knows how to criticize me without considering his own predicament.
Go on, say more! I want to see this old man get flustered." Dugu Bo was now thoroughly entertained.
Ye Wen sighed helplessly. 'What can I do? He's my teacher.'
So he continued:
"Furthermore, based on the intelligence I've gathered, Senior Yang, your Breaking Clan currently has only you as a Soul Douluo. If, unfortunately, you were to fall in battle, you wouldn't want your clansmen to be bullied by other factions, would you?"
Dugu Bo laughed even harder, though he felt Ye Wen's tone sounded a bit strange.
Yang Wudi's expression darkened. Every word Ye Wen spoke struck a painful chord.
If a war were to occur as Ye Wen suggested, the Breaking Clan would indeed be unable to escape. Moreover, since he hadn't joined the Star Luo Empire's nobility system, if he were targeted and killed, the future of the Breaking Clan would indeed be bleak.
However, Yang Wudi, who had lived his entire life with unbending principles, wasn't about to bow so easily. He stubbornly replied:
"Thank you for your advice, Young Friend. But according to your reasoning, whether we join your Medical Alliance or maintain our current stance, we will inevitably be dragged into a great war.
Then why shouldn't I join the Star Luo Empire?
After all, in terms of overall strength, the Star Luo Empire surpasses yours. I could even join their nobility system. Even if I die, given the potential of our clan's martial soul, the Soul-Breaking Spear, the Star Luo Imperial Family would surely ensure the survival of our lineage."
At this moment, Ye Wen couldn't help but applaud.
'Who says everyone in Douluo is foolish? This man right here possesses great wisdom—he's immediately grasped the situation.'
'This is far better than Yu Xiaogang, who has no real skills, spends his days seducing women, and dreams of rebelling against the Spirit Hall!'
But soon, Ye Wen smirked mischievously. 'Even if you're quick-witted, what does it matter? The cards in my hand will make you surrender willingly!'
The letter Dugu Bo wrote to Yang Wudi under Ye Wen's instructions only mentioned an invitation and a personal visit. It didn't mention the Aromatic Silk Beauty.
This wasn't because Ye Wen didn't plan to give it to Yang Wudi—it was because he believed that if the Breaking Clan joined directly, the herb could later serve as a powerful tool to win loyalty. However, it seemed necessary to reveal it earlier.
But before doing so, Ye Wen didn't want to appear too eager. He said:
"Well said, Senior Yang. Your reasoning is impeccable."
But soon, Ye Wen's expression turned serious. "However, has Senior Yang ever considered one question?"
Seeing Ye Wen's sudden change in demeanor, Yang Wudi felt an inexplicable unease. He sensed trouble but asked hesitantly:
"What question?"
"That is—if the Star Luo Empire cannot even protect itself, on what basis do you believe they'll have the resources to protect your Breaking Clan?" Ye Wen said calmly.
Yang Wudi felt as though a thunderbolt had struck his head. Goosebumps covered his body, and his lips trembled as he stammered:
"Young Master Ye, I thought you were a reasonable person, so I engaged in this discussion. How can you speak so recklessly? The Star Luo Empire has lasted for over a thousand years—how could it possibly... possibly..."
At this moment, Yang Wudi's expression grew uncertain. He clearly realized something.
Ye Wen continued with a smile: "The relationship between the two empires and the Spirit Hall is well-known among the major powers.
So, Senior Yang, do you truly understand the true strength of the Spirit Hall?"
Yang Wudi fell silent. Leaving aside the mysterious members of the Offering Hall, just the elders of the Elder Hall had once chased the four affiliated families into a desperate situation.
If the two empires hadn't intervened, the four families would have been completely wiped out. As a high-ranking member of these families, Yang Wudi was well aware that one of the three legendary invincible figures of the continent—the Sky Invincible Thousand Dao Liu—was still alive.
With such a pillar of strength, the Spirit Hall dared to challenge the two empires.
In Yang Wudi's understanding, even a Limit Douluo wouldn't dare fight recklessly against the armies of the two empires, as once their soul power was depleted, even a Limit Douluo would be at the mercy of others.
However, the Spirit Hall's recent actions had been excessively arrogant, causing unrest among the major powers.
The Spirit Hall of the past would never have acted so brazenly. Did this mean they had gained new support?
Ye Wen didn't stop Yang Wudi from speculating. Sometimes, self-imagination was the most lethal weapon. When Ye Wen judged that Yang Wudi had thought enough, he added another blow:
"It seems Senior Yang has some suspicions. Let me share what I know.
As you know, the Spirit Hall consists of three main parts:
These are the Pope Hall, the Elder Hall, and the Offering Hall.
The Pope Hall needs no explanation—every pope must be a Title Douluo.
To enter the Elder Hall, one must possess the strength of a Title Douluo. These individuals represent the Spirit Hall's publicly acknowledged Title Douluo forces.
Currently, I know there are at least nine Elders.
But these nine Title Douluos aren't particularly significant. After all, if you combine all the Title Douluos of the Upper Three Sects and the two empires, their combined strength far surpasses the Spirit Hall's."
Ye Wen spoke casually, but Yang Wudi saw through the facade to the core issue. 'What about the Elder Hall? And what about the most mysterious Offering Hall?'
Ye Wen didn't disappoint Yang Wudi, though he provided false information. After all, the Offering Hall was shrouded in mystery across the entire Douluo Continent, and even Ye Wen's intelligence network couldn't uncover the truth.
Extending five fingers, Ye Wen said: "Then there's the Offering Hall. Based on nearly a century of intelligence gathering, some outstanding Elders of the Spirit Hall gradually disappeared without a trace. I've identified at least five such individuals.
But Senior Yang, you're well aware of the lifespan of a Title Douluo.
Do you think they quietly aged to death or perished in some corner?"
Yang Wudi instinctively shook his head. "That's impossible. Once someone breaks through to become a Title Douluo, they gain a 300-year lifespan. Such beings can't simply die of old age within a century.
As for dying in battle, that's even less likely. If the Spirit Hall lost a Title Douluo in battle, the entire Douluo Continent would erupt in chaos."
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